The Taupo Explorer
Pippy McCurdy:
http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/
There are not many houseboats for overnight hire in New Zealand. However the Taupo Explorer bucks the trend.Tied up in a picturesque boat harbour, sheltered from most of the chop and the sometimes cool winds of Taupo, this is an excellent way to spend a night.
Just a few minutes walk from the centre of town with its many cafes, bars and shops, it couldn't be more convenient. If the mood and the dollars allow, you can always arrange to actually leave the berth and be taken out on a trip around the lake but for my part I was more than content to stay berthed by the skinny jetty. Not being particularly familiar with either boats or water except from a sandy beach, it took a few snail paced trips to get used to walking the three steps out the jetty and then edging my way around the boat to the doorway. But practise breeds familiarity. Soon I was holding on with one hand instead of two...
The boat itself is comfortable inside with all you might need to make yourself at home including cooking facilities and a reasonable shower. There were clear instructions to operate all the non-standard items. Best of all there was plenty of deck area with a space at the back for the barbeque to be fired up, and an upstairs deck where the evening could be enjoyed watching dusk settle over the harbour.
Sleeping to the gentle motion of the lake was oh so pleasant and the lapping of the waves on the hull (note the nautical term) was akin to a lullaby.
When it came time to go re-doing up the domed covers on the open areas were a nightmare, but someone eventually found the muscle to achieve this feat and we were able to leave with a clear conscience.
The call from the owner to enquire as to whether we had enjoyed our stay was a pleasant note until it emerged there was another agenda behind this .... Otherwise a great place to stay.
